§ Mr. Houghtonasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the number of looms on corduroys in the Hebden Bridge area has fallen by 60 per cent. since April, 1959 and that the fall in yardage on the finishing and dyeing side of the trade has fallen by 25 per cent. for some firms, and 33 per cent. for others; and what steps he is taking to check imports which are contributing to this decline;
(2) what increase there has been in recent months of imported woven and dyed corduroy from Spain; and what steps he is taking to safeguard home manufacturers and dyers.
§ Mr. MaudlingSeparate figures of imports of corduroy fabrics are not available. Imports of pile and chenille fabrics (other than moquettes), which include corduroy fabrics, from Spain during January and February were valued at £10,149 compared with £25,058 during the year 1959. I shall continue to watch the position.